Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2) Questions and Answers with
Verified Solutions | Latest Updated 2026
What are the 3 phases of recovery 1)Immediate recovery phase: intensive
that occur in the PACU? nursing care
provided. 2) less intensive care: patient
prepared
for self care in PACU or transfer to an
inpatient unit
or outpatient unit. 3) exntended
care/observation
unit: patient prepared for discharge.
What specific information does the overall tolerance, type of surgery, type of
OR nurse give the PACU nurse? anesthetics, results, complications, I&O's.
What should the nurse remember speak calmly, orient, quiet atmosphere
about the patient psychological body
equilibrium in the PACU? alignment, explain, remember hearing is
last to go.
What are the PACU nurse's assessment: VS, respiratory status, color,
priority of fluid
concerns when the patient arrives intake, special equipment, dressing.
from the OR? Positioning of
the head to side or lateral sims.
,What respiratory functions is the airway until gag reflex is ok. position,
nurse responsible for managing? suction,
cough/deep breathe, O2, mechanical
support,
check breath sounds, prevent aspirations.
What does the PACU nurse blood loss, IV rate, outputs, bladder
monitor distention,
regarding fluid status? electrolyte, hydration, character of
drainage, NG
tube, N&V.
What does the nurse assess on drainage, record output from drains.
the
incisional site?
when can the client leave the VS ok, awake, dressings ok, airway ok.
PACU?
What are signs of a pulmonary chest pain, dyspnea, increase resp. rate,
embolism postoperatively? tachycardia, increased anxiety,
diaphoresis,
decreased orientation, decreased BP,
blood gas
changes.
What are post op complications urinary retention, unable to void 8-10 hrs
regarding the urinary system? post op,
palpable bladder, frequent small amount of
voiding, pain suprapubic area.
, What are signs of hypovolemic decrease urine, decrease BP, weak pulse,
shock cool
postoperatively? clammy, restless, increase bleeding,
increase thirst,
decrease cvp.
What signs of Atelectasis dyspnea, tachypnea, decrease breath
postoperatively? sounds,
asymmetrical chest movement,
tachycardia,
increase restlessness.
What are signs of pneumonia rapid respirations, shallow respirations,
postoperatively? fever, wet
breath sounds, asymmetrical chest
movements,
productive cough, hypoxia, tachycardia,
leukocytosis.
What are signs of infection redness purulent drainage, fever,
postoperatively? tachycardia,
leukocytosis.
What does dehiscence mean? separation of incision.
what does evisceration mean? evidence of bowel through incision.
increase pain
level
What is gastric dilation? nausea & vomiting, abd distention.
PACU (exam #2) Questions and Answers with
Verified Solutions | Latest Updated 2026
What are the 3 phases of recovery 1)Immediate recovery phase: intensive
that occur in the PACU? nursing care
provided. 2) less intensive care: patient
prepared
for self care in PACU or transfer to an
inpatient unit
or outpatient unit. 3) exntended
care/observation
unit: patient prepared for discharge.
What specific information does the overall tolerance, type of surgery, type of
OR nurse give the PACU nurse? anesthetics, results, complications, I&O's.
What should the nurse remember speak calmly, orient, quiet atmosphere
about the patient psychological body
equilibrium in the PACU? alignment, explain, remember hearing is
last to go.
What are the PACU nurse's assessment: VS, respiratory status, color,
priority of fluid
concerns when the patient arrives intake, special equipment, dressing.
from the OR? Positioning of
the head to side or lateral sims.
,What respiratory functions is the airway until gag reflex is ok. position,
nurse responsible for managing? suction,
cough/deep breathe, O2, mechanical
support,
check breath sounds, prevent aspirations.
What does the PACU nurse blood loss, IV rate, outputs, bladder
monitor distention,
regarding fluid status? electrolyte, hydration, character of
drainage, NG
tube, N&V.
What does the nurse assess on drainage, record output from drains.
the
incisional site?
when can the client leave the VS ok, awake, dressings ok, airway ok.
PACU?
What are signs of a pulmonary chest pain, dyspnea, increase resp. rate,
embolism postoperatively? tachycardia, increased anxiety,
diaphoresis,
decreased orientation, decreased BP,
blood gas
changes.
What are post op complications urinary retention, unable to void 8-10 hrs
regarding the urinary system? post op,
palpable bladder, frequent small amount of
voiding, pain suprapubic area.
, What are signs of hypovolemic decrease urine, decrease BP, weak pulse,
shock cool
postoperatively? clammy, restless, increase bleeding,
increase thirst,
decrease cvp.
What signs of Atelectasis dyspnea, tachypnea, decrease breath
postoperatively? sounds,
asymmetrical chest movement,
tachycardia,
increase restlessness.
What are signs of pneumonia rapid respirations, shallow respirations,
postoperatively? fever, wet
breath sounds, asymmetrical chest
movements,
productive cough, hypoxia, tachycardia,
leukocytosis.
What are signs of infection redness purulent drainage, fever,
postoperatively? tachycardia,
leukocytosis.
What does dehiscence mean? separation of incision.
what does evisceration mean? evidence of bowel through incision.
increase pain
level
What is gastric dilation? nausea & vomiting, abd distention.
